Author
Topic: Chilly Getaway [S'bel] (Read 3680 times)

It was just about midday when Sennia made her way outside of the commons room on the first floor, and after tugging on a jacket, made to wait outside. There was a chill in the air that prompted her to hug the simple leather coat closer and hold her arms against her body, but she didn’t go back inside. There wasn’t much within anyways – just the reconstructed bedrooms and the common areas that she’d never really felt comfortable in. She was a repeatedly failed candidate. There were other women, like her, of course. And it could just be that she’d end up the dragonless breeder for weyrbrats. The same as her life had been before being stolen, save there were dragons here and her farm was much smaller. Given the slow way this new life was starting to match up with her old, it was hard not to compare them.

She'd been born to have babies, apparently. No matter where she went, it was all that seemed to be asked of her.

There was a fear she felt every time there was a clutch. The fear of being rejected by the dragons. Reminding her constantly that she’d been stolen and had not lived up to the hopes that had come with it. What’s more, there was nothing she could do to ensure she impressed. There was no test to take, no task to do. The dragon would either bond to who she was, or it would not. There simply was no way of knowing how things might play out for her save to go through every day with a slowly dwindling sense of hope.

This was why she hated not having anything to do. If her hands were busy, if she could keep at the various chores or foraging, she wouldn’t have to be lost in those fears. So, though it concerned her immensely that she would be on dragon back to the foraging area, at least it was a way to stay busy. Foraging in the cold was something no one really wanted to do so volunteers were few and far between. Sennia volunteered as often as possible. Hunting for needlethorn, numbweed, and hazel in chilly winds was, actually, quite invigorating. She liked the flush of heat on her cheeks and the small, albeit silly, triumph of contributing something to the cause of the Weyr that didn't involve a babe growing inside of her. It was through the merit of her tasks and the collection of necessary goods that she wished to be known.

She was excited that it would be S’bel taking her. Friends were scarce here, and the time to be friendly more so, but she found herself rather fond of the blue rider. He was one of the few to actually give her some of his time and, maybe there was a hint of desperation in her, but she certainly needed a friend. Her farm life might have been droll by comparison, but she’d felt wanted. Needed.

That did not extend to the Weyr. At first she'd bore some resentment for being taken away. Until the shock took over that she was really at a weyr, swiftly followed by the resounding sense that she didn't really fit in.

Sennia looked down at her worn boots, kicking at the hard ground as she waited his arrival. The faint hum of a song she’d heard when she was a little girl slipped out in her anxiousness. Utterly unaware, she even rocked slightly to the tune. Anything to keep her moving, even while she was waiting. To chase away the thoughts of fear and the possible failure of ever impressing at all. And when S’bel was around, those thoughts disappeared entirely. He was active enough to keep her attention invested. Perhaps that, more than anything, was why she wished he were here presently and not keeping her waiting. It was in this anxious state she remained, humming quietly.

A thought has escaped me. It seemed right there, but now it somehow seems beyond my reach. What was it? Ipsyth wondered aloud to S'bel while curled up back by his rider's hut. Don't you always feel like this? Came his rider's droll response. No, no. S'bel... were we to do something today? The blue couldn't shake the feeling there was something for he and his rider to do, but couldn't remember it exactly. And he didn't need to see his rider's face at that moment to know that S'bel's response to his question was a smirk- he could feel it. It served to prove his suspicions even if S'bel tried to shrug it off. There is, isn't there?

Don't strain yourself. The bluerider was enjoying a meal at the moment. He knew, of course, where they were meant to be, but the fact that Ipsyth had forgotten meant he could enjoy his food in peace. Until now. Ipsyth prodded around his mind a bit, S'bel doing his best to distract the dragon with other thoughts, for Ipsyth could be easily distracted at times. He could feel the dragon's distress as he realized. No, maybe not distress. Probably just disappointment. Ipsyth wasn't prone to worry so much as he was inclined to compel his rider into considering others more often. Foraging. At midday.Uh-huh.Midday is already upon us. You are late, S'bel. With a sigh, S'bel picked up the riding straps he had brought with him for the trip ahead, and shoved a slice of bread into his mouth, snagging another for the road. So much for his peaceful meal. He knew his dragon would never leave him alone now.

It's not a big deal. Just one of the candidate girls. And many of the candidate girls, this one especially, would likely forgive his tardiness for the price of a smile. It seemed Ipsyth was about to scold him again, but the dragon's mind seemed to wander off subject just slightly, from the fact that someone was waiting, to the question of who it was. Which one?Sennia.Is that the one that reminds me of a lake? S'bel sighed and shook his head slightly, finishing off the bread in his mouth. Anyone else might have been puzzled at such a question, but after so long, it was just a regular conversation for S'bel to have with his blue and didn't phase him in the slightest. No. No that's a different one.What does this one remind me of?I have no idea Ipsyth. I haven't the time nor energy to remember all the absolutely convoluted comparisons you make.

By now, S'bel neared their meeting spot. He mentally called for Ipsyth to come meet them as near as he could land. Foraging. It seemed odd to go out on such a regular chore in the wake of the landslide, but he supposed people still had to eat. Life went on. So it goes. And it meant less hard labor for S'bel, and the bluerider supposed he was okay with that. Still, the thought of a foraging trip didn't leave him so enthused- not much did, after all. Ah well, at least he had a companion. Maybe the day wouldn't be a total loss if he could get some entertainment out of it. He wasn't counting on it, though.

Soon, the young woman waiting for him came into view, seemingly absorbed in her own thoughts. With a small smirk, S'bel quieted his steps in the hope he could sneak up on the girl. When he was close enough to be sufficiency startling if unnoticed, he called out, "Sennia!" abruptly from her side, wearing a wide grin on his face.

She didn’t know how long she waited. She didn’t even realize that her cheeks had flushed in the cold nor that she’d been pacing in a small line while humming the tune that dashed through her mind. Waiting prayed some on her insecurities – she just kept going ‘round and ‘round. What if she wasn’t good enough? What if she couldn’t Impress? Would she only have babies? She didn’t just want babies. A dragon would be delightful. Why wasn’t S’bel here so she didn’t have to think these things?

And, of course, would she fit it more with a dragon? [ Never mind the responsibility and pressure that would come with being with a gold! ]

Throughout it all, Sennia continued to hum. It was a nervous habit much like wringing hands or the pacing she was presently doing. The tune that found its way from her dry lips was random, rising and falling with the fears and hopes of her thoughts.

So wrapped up in her own possible misery and potential drab future, it was no wonder Sennia found it so hard to fit in. She wasn’t even aware of others when she worked herself up like this. Too lost in the misery of uncertainty and the fear that it wouldn’t matter anyways – no one understood her.

She actually frowned and halted her thoughts, realizing the slow spiral into madness she was going. Then squealed in shocked surprise when her name was called out quite abruptly from so close by. She even hopped a little in her state, twisting to the sound with wide, brown eyes.

The surprise gave way to a smile that chased away all her previous doubts when she spied her friend – or at least she’d consider him friend. “S’bel, you’re late.” It was said with no accusation and more a greeting. Sennia moved closer as though that could chase the chill away that had settled in her bones. But not close enough to invade or even tease the perimeter of his private space. “Did you happen to forget about me?” Not self-depreciating in the slightest. Like all the emotional turmoil didn’t exist anymore, simply because she was no longer alone in her mind and in the presence of a familiar face. Even then, she cast her attention to the sky to see if she could pick out his Ipsyth. The dragon was one of the very few she was ever really close to. Physically, that is.

S'bel broke out into laughter at the reaction his 'greeting' provoked. This at least, was probably genuine, though not as good natured as it may have appeared. S'bel had long since learned that with the way he acted, not many knew the difference between him laughing at them or with them. 'At' happened much more often than he let on. If this was any indication of how the rest of his afternoon would go, maybe S'bel would be sufficiently amused after all.

At the comment of his tardiness, S'bel seemed to halfway consider the young woman's words before he said with faux innocence, the smile never leaving his face, "Am I?" It was unclear, from his tone, whether he meant it as a joke or was genuinely unaware. The reality, of course, was that he was only too aware, but just didn't care. He watched her scoot a little closer, and didn't miss the look in here eyes. The one that told him he had her hook, line, and sinker. Though S'bel wasn't about to disparage in his mind her for that. Even if it was a little bit pathetic. Okay, so he wouldn't disparage her too much over it. It made things easier for him. after all. When someone looked at him like that, he never needed to question their opinion of him. It made things easy for him. Though with her next remark, he eased off the teasing to make sure it stayed that way.

"Hey now, I'd never forget about you," he reassured her, almost in awe of how incredibly tacky he sounded to his own ears. S'bel had to wonder if anyone who was actually sincere said shit like that. Then again, he had met plenty of people who absolutely ate up flattery, even the incredibly cheesy variety, so maybe other human beings were capable of such hackneyed thoughts and sentiments, or maybe people who accepted it were just delusional. Either way, S'bel wouldn't be surprised. And even if he ever overdid it, S'bel made sure that most of what he said could be played off as some kind of joke as a backup plan. "You ready to go then?" he asked her, eyes similarly rising to the sky to focus in on the murky hide of Ipsyth.

He hardly waited for an answer before he headed off, strolling toward where Ipsyth circled down. S'bel ran his hand over the dragon's neck a few times, before he turned back to Sennia. Ipsyth also regarded her with some attention, probably mulling over what it was she reminded him of now that he had a face to match the name. S'bel held up the straps in his hands. "Brought these to make the ride steadier, though it will take a few to get them on," he turned to Ipsyth to start at the task, though a thought seemed to strike him and he looked at the girl once again with a sly smile on his face. "You aren't still nervous on dragon back are you?"

Sennia had blushed faintly at his hearty laugh at her expense but it was impossible to tell from the chill. It was nice to be jolted out of her thoughts, even if it meant laughter at her expense. Sennia glanced down at her boots and tried a smile in kind. She really should not get so lost but, that was why she was glad he was here. Even if she had to look foolish. Better than then the monster of black thoughts gnawing on her mind.

Sennia cast a sidelong glance at him at his innocent ‘Am I?’. It was wholly possible he had lost track of time. S’bel knew more people, had more things to do. Dragonriders usually did. Nor was she of any consequence to expect such consideration. It was nice he was here now, and that he would be accompanying her. His reassurance that he’d never forget her, while sweet, made her laugh softly to herself. Because, sadly enough, it wasn’t true. Not to return to the self-depreciating thoughts, but Sennia was of no real consequence to anyone. Especially not a Rider so well situated in the weyr.

Sennia’s eyes found Ipsyth a moment after S’bel, a tightening in her chest of both awe and some uncertainty. The dragon was beautiful, that was no doubt. Most were, especially so close when she could see all the nuances of color. Every dragon was different, after all. She liked how –long- Ipsyth seemed to be, with his big wings and almost slender frame. Sennia cast her eyes to the ground, momentarily out of nerves, before remarking, “He’s beautiful. I sometimes forget.” That was a better answer to his inquiry than admitting openly that climbing on top of the dragon still made her fret terribly. Instead, Sennia smiled in an easy manner she’d adopted from being around S’bel. “It’s not so bad if I’ve you to hang on to.” It didn’t even cross her mind that this could be taken any other way than what she meant – that she was relieved to have S’bel there.

Sennia had moved closer to Ipsyth, smiling more so at the dragon but respecting his space and not seeking to invade it until the dragon, as far as she could tell, was ok with it.

Changing subjects, hm? Well, S'bel would still take that as a yes. He thought about going on about flying, maybe pointing out that they weren't even going between today and that how that was much more dangerous than just flying. That would be all sorts of comforting to a candidate, he was sure. He was pretty sure he could drum up some weyrling injury and death statistics too. They would likely be completely made up on the spot, but not completely out of the question, because such events did happen. But he decided against it and laughed idly with her comment about his dragon instead. "Hear that Ipsyth? You're damn pretty," he told the blue, a quirk of a smile on his lips. The comment seemed innocuous enough, but Ipsyth knew his rider meant it to be sardonic. Still, Ipsyth gave a small rumble of approval despite S'bel.

The rider started about his task at hand, throwing the straps onto Ipsyth, maneuvering to loop them around the correct places and fasten them. After so long, he felt like he could do the task in his sleep. He glanced over at Sennia as his hands worked at fastening straps, laughing quietly again as he saw her seeming hesitation to move closer. "You've met Ipsyth before,' he pointed out, crossing to his dragon's other side to continue the task at hand, "You should know by now he's not going to snap at any stray fingers. He doesn't even look forward to hunting, he's so reluctant to hurt his prey." As if to punctuate the point, Ipsyth shifted toward Sennia, craning his neck to butt the girl's arm gently with his nose.

Hey now. Stop moving around. S'bel mentally scolded, resisting the urge to scowl. A moving target made the job of fastening straps somewhat more difficult. A change of heart, then S'bel? Ipsyth asked him. ...What?You are in a hurry to forage now?Who said anything about that? I just want these straps on you.It must be the clouds. The blue shifted again to look up at the sky. The clou- Ipsyth what are you on about now? Stop. Moving.They are good clouds. His dragon's voice was full of approval that the state of the sky, or whatever he was going on about, and S'bel couldn't help a small sigh at that. Whatever. Just stand still.They are, aren't they? the blue asked, ignoring S'bel and now addressing his question toward Sennia as well, seemingly forgetting the fact that the girl did not hear the rest of the conversation that had transpired and would have absolutely no clue what she was supposed to be agreeing or disagreeing with.

Sennia smiled more so when Ipsyth approved of her compliment. No amount of being around him could diminish her joy at seeing him, nor slow the racing of her heart. She was soothed somewhat by the simple fact she did know Ipsyth. Better than any other dragon, at least. He always seemed more sincere than even S’bel, whom Sennia was rather fond of. Perhaps because his dragon was so nice to her.

She tensed reflexively when Ipsyth leaned toward her, but giggled when she was nudged. Her hand brushed against his snout and she whispered, just for his benefit, “You –are- damn pretty.” It was very much true. The blue dragons were easily Sennia’s favorite, though admittedly because she’d had so much exposure to them. More than any other, that was for certain. There wasn’t another dragon she’d dream of touching so ‘casually’.

She jumped, startled, when the dragon’s voice filled her mind. Another thing to get used to being in the weyr, she supposed. Sennia couldn’t help but smile – he sounded as lovely as he looked. Granted, the words that were impressed upon her didn’t really make sense though. Figuring that she had just been privy to a small portion of an exchange, she was prompted to reply with, “They are what, Ipsyth?” And, to the rider gearing up his dragon, she added, “What are the two of you talking about?” She’d learn some time ago that it wasn’t necessarily rude to ask what transpired between bonded once you’d been included in their conversation. Particularly if the dragon was inclined to leave most of the conversation out. But she didn’t want to seem like she wasn’t interested either. What would it be like to hear another all the time? To feel that presence? At the rate of her Standings, Sennia would never know.

Never mind that she should be hunting a suitable candidate of her own to help the weyr’s population increase. With more than a little unease, she found herself studying S’bel in a slightly different manner. She’d never, ever have the courage to ask of course. But who else could she?

It’d probably destroy whatever mounting friendship that might be between them to even consider it. So she banished the thought and awaited the answer to a much more unassuming question – what was on the dragon’s mind?

Even though she whispered the comment about Ipsyth being "damn pretty", S'bel still caught it. Whether it was loud enough to hear through us own ears, or he just picked it up through the dragon he didn't really know or think about. That set a new smirk on his face, however. Maybe someone wasn't such a proper little hold lady anymore after all? Even if S'bel figured Sennia probably thought the Weyr hadn't changed her at all. He was fairly certain she didn't usually have an accurate view of herself. It wasn't his job to correct that, though, so he let her go on thinking whatever she wished.

Ipsyth didn't immediately respond to her inquiry; the blue just kept staring at the sky for several long moments. With a chuckle, S'bel offered up a none too helpful, "Who knows?" and a shrug. Though this time, he was rather clearly teasing. A rider was bound to know what his dragon was talking about. Although in Ipsyth's case he supposed that was, actually, somewhat debatable. The blue finally did chime in, sending the words Sennia's way as well again. Typical to the blue, though, his response came in the most nonsensical way possible. They are what, hm? Perhaps birds are a song? Maybe a brave soul lies beneath? Or bones made of jewels.

Oh dear. It seemed Ipsyth didn't even remember what they had discussed. Or he was making some kind of point even S'bel couldn't make sense of. He waited to see how Sennia would react to that gem, before he couldn't keep himself from laughing. "Clouds," he offered up finally. "We were talking about the clouds, you daft lizard." He shook his head and elaborated for the girl, "Ipsyth said they were particularly good ones, or something like that." Oh yes. That was it.

S'bel shook his head, did another once over on the riding straps and took a step back from the blue. "Right then," he said, hopping up onto the dragon's back in a smooth and seamless motion that served as a reminder of the amount of turns of dragonriding S'bel had under his belt. He idly wondered Sennia had any clue what his actual age was. He didn't know whether he had ever brought it up with her. It was, after all, just a fact of life for him now and seemed natural, but it was probably something that took the holders a while to get used to- the whole aging thing. Of course, she had been here a while, so maybe she figured. The bluerider was, of course, completely oblivious to Sennia's own current inner debate. Ipsyth kept himself close to the ground to let them both on easily and S'bel held out a hand to help Sennia on as well, putting on his most charming smile. "Are we all ready to go now?

The amusing exchange between Rider and Dragon, this time said aloud for her benefit, chased away the remainder of whatever tension had been left in her shoulders. The quiet morning, her awkward place in the community rooms, and the true lack of anyone to talk to seemed such a faraway concern now. Not because S’bel was particularly affectionate, but because he acted so casual around her. Not tiptoing around Sennia because she had, in fact, been stolen. Or even unaware she wasn’t there – sort of hard to do since they were supposed to go foraging together – but still! To be included, regularly, in an exchange between his dragon was wonderful. Her smiles were genuine, lacking force or uncertainty, and it lit up her eyes like nothing else.

Besides, the idea of a rider calling their dragon a ‘daft lizard’ was a bit preposterous and prompted a laugh anyways. “I do not think he is daft,” she replied, feeling compelled to playfully defend the sweet dragon whose words were as wonderful as he was. Even if the sense that came along with them was lacking. The cryptic response was as entertaining as S’bel’s reaction to it. Maybe dragons regularly found focus in abstract ideas, or as Sennia hoped, this was a particular trait of Ipsyth. It set him apart, made him, in her eyes, unique. She loved him all the more for it.

Sennia watched S’bel easily climb Ipsyth, a small marvel at his form and familiarity with the motion, before she moved to join him. She paused only briefly to actually touch Ipsyth again, letting her hand pass over the smooth hide, before she took S’bel’s hand to be hauled up. His smile was encouraging for someone who didn’t usually spend their time atop a dragon or in flight at all. While some candidate lessons involved getting used to dragons, it was another thing entirely to be invited to fly on one of the Rider’s own accord. There wasn’t a teacher to supervise – just S’bel to keep her in line with what she should do. While S’bel was certainly the preferred choice of what Rider she would be spending her time, he also didn’t take into consideration things that might make a candidate nervous. Perhaps, she reflected as she settled on Ipsyth, that was why it was so much easier with him. She wasn’t treated like a candidate.

Sennia did tense as she settled on the dragon, but only for a moment. It wouldn’t serve Rider or Dragon for her to be stiff and unyielding. For all she knew that might mean she’d go toppling off because she couldn’t move with the way Ipsyth did. And while the idea of flight, of being up off the ground without a safety net, was terrifying the actual act of doing so on a dragon she trusted was breathtakingly exhilarating. Sennia found herself as excited as she was apprehensive. “As ready as I will ever be,” she finally managed, focusing more on how she was sitting and less on the idea they were about to be in the air.

S'bel raised an eyebrow at the young woman as she defended Ipsyth. "No. No he kind of is. You just don't know him as well as I do," he told her, sardonic smile on his face. Still, there was a fondness in his voice that was not faked. Even if S'bel acknowledged that his dragon was a little bit on the crazy side, it didn't mean he thought any less of him. How could he? Acceptance of the fact that Ipsyth was not all there had kept him sane, S'bel liked to think. If he based his own perception of reality off his dragon's, he would have been driven crazy himself long ago, he was sure. Exile had almost made sure of that. Which made it probably even more foolish when he had left R'mil and Kerath.

Something fell in the pit of S'bel's stomach as he thought of that name. And the actually maybe genuine smile on his face directed at his dragon almost faltered. He forced it to remain, but it was a struggle. His mood darkened considerably underneath, but nothing noteworthy changed in his appearance. He could almost taste the bitterness as it began to well up in him, but at least he had a distraction for the moment. He told himself to just stop thinking about it. Focus on the task at hand. He pushed down his thoughts for the time being, grateful for the fact that once they were in the air, Sennia wouldn't likely be able to see his face clearly and he could scowl all he wanted during the flight.

He could feel the girl tense behind him. He'd pay to see her alone on dragonback. That was something to look forward to if she ever impressed her own dragon. He had to imagine that the flying lesson was frequently a train wreck. S'bel would have made an awful Weyrlingmaster. He would probably just laugh at them all constantly when they did things wrong. He turned to smile at her, saying "Hold on then." He patted his abdomen to encourage her to wrap her arms around him. He then waited for her to latch on before signaling for Ipsyth to take off.

The blue lifted off the ground, winging up into the air, gaining altitude until they were high enough for him to glide. With the location of the "New Katila Weyr" lying on the edge of the forest already, it was a fairly short ride, actually. S'bel didn't talk during it. He didn't feel like it, and talking during flight was a pain anyway with the wind being so loud around them. So he had an excuse. After a bit, Ipsyth began to descend, eventually wheeling down into a clearing on the edge of the woods.

When they landed, S'bel dismounted, pushing a smile onto his features once again as he said, "See, that wasn't so bad, right?" before he looked up to see how Sennia was actually doing now.

Sennia settled her arms around S’bel, mindful not to squeeze so hard she was embarrassing. But she did rest her cheek on his sholder blade, pressed close to him not only for comfort but warmth as well. The cold while in motion seemed to sting. Set behind S’bel was the preferred place to be. Holding on to him also afforded her a scenic view of the land they passed over. This was the exhilarating part. The sense of freedom and detachment for everything else. She even lessened her hold so she could see more, though resumed her place against him when the short flight would be over.

Sennia had to marvel at Ipsyth and how he carried both of them. Such a beautiful blue dragon. She was almost sad the flight didn’t last longer and reluctantly leaned away from S’bel when Ipsyth touched down in a clearing. Being so close to another person was nice. Pleasant even. Especially since she hadn’t been in over 5 turns.

No matter, she didn’t hesitate to release him when he slid off and returned his smile as she took the initiative to slide off on her own. She’d seen him do it often enough, and she’d had some practice. Her hand brushed against Ipsyth, murmuring a soft, “Thank you,” before she turned to the clearing they found themselves in. Sennia had a healthy dose of experience foraging since she’d lived on her own, on a farm, for quite some time. The nearest village had been some ways off. If anything, she was rather pleased with how isolated they were. The quiet, the wind through the bare branches – these were things she was accustomed. Or had been, before the weyr.

Sennia took a long moment to take stock of their surroundings. Noting where they were, what areas she should start foraging from, and how she’d begin this little expedition. She’d come equipped with a couple bags tucked in the pockets of her jacket. Nothing heavy duty or thick, it would hold whatever herbs or needle thorn she could find until they got back. Sennia glanced at S’bel before teasingly suggesting, “If you wanted to leave me here and come back in the evening…?”

It didn’t occur to her he might actually prefer to do that. She didn’t think her company that disagreeable for someone who willingly opted to take her out on trips like this. Rather than waiting for him to answer, she took a deep breath of the crisp air and began to make her way toward the forest. “You know,” she said conversationally, “I think it’s my birthday in a couple days…” It was the season for it, certainly. The chill in the air, the press of it against her jacket and cheeks, was a fond memory. Her previous birthdays were days away from routine, when she’d spare some time for herself and go into the forest to forage. Or, rather, just walk around with a sense of freedom she was not accustomed.

Well well, she didn't look that shaken up after all once they landed. Maybe there was hope for her yet. Or maybe she would never impress. Or maybe she would get mauled. Fuck if S'bel knew. Some might have called it cruel for such thoughts to enter his mind, but the bluerider really just considered himself a realist. Not thinking about the bad things didn't make them any less possible. Cynics, in his experience, tended to be much better prepared when the worst did come to pass.

Ipsyth made a good-natured rumble as Sennia thanked him, craning his neck to looks around the clearing. You can go rest. S'bel told him, patting the blue's hide. He could feel the blue's pleasure at the thought of curling up for a short rest, or maybe nap, while the humans foraged. S'bel frowned slightly at the riding straps on Ipsyth. You want those off?Hm, no they do not bother overmuch. With that, S'bel was able to grin again. Good. He didn't want to deal with them again.

He turned his attention back to Sennia. If only the girl's offer was serious. He could tell she didn't want to be left here alone. But damn if the thought of just going back and sleeping for a few hours until it was time to get Sennia didn't cross S'bel's mind. He could even just go curl up with Ipsyth. But he was supposed to be here, and working ot supervising or whatever- not sleeping.. So of course he wouldn't leave. Besides, he had already talked himself into thinking today might be entertaining, and all the effort put into deceiving himself into thinking the day wasn't completely awful would just go to waste that way. He also didn't hate having company. Just people in general.

He thought about scaring her, though- offering to take her up on it just to see the look on her face when her joking came back to bite her. But no, that would be mean. And he reminded himself that Sennia did, actually, like him- or she thought she did. S'bel was of the opinion that you had to know someone to actually like them. Not many truly knew him. And those who did generally didn't like him one bit. It was always easiest when he was able to keep people thinking they liked him, though, so they would keep it that way. And besides she moved the topic of conversation right along to birthdays. "That so?" he remarked, signs of casual interest purposefully ringing in his voice. "Any special plans? Got some fellow candidates to spend it with you? Maybe someone special to... celebrate with?" He raised an eyebrow at her with that question, his smile unmistakably shifting into a smirk. Okay, maybe he couldn't keep from teasing her after all. Though he considered this much more playful than threatening to abandon her. This, he could get away with.

Sennia hit the edge of the small landing clearing, noting the direction she was going so they’d not get lost, before starting her trek through the brush. It wasn’t particularly cluttered and most of the vegetation was in dormancy. This would make finding the numbweed and needlethorn bushes especially easy. If they were lucky, they might even stumble on some klah trees. Getting such a haul would not only be useful for medical reasons, but klah was always a welcomed gather. These things were something the former farmer was well versed in finding. She took an almost casual air about her in the forest. This was easy, relaxing, and there wasn’t anyone around to judge her. Subconsciously, she was already carrying herself straighter than she did in the weyr. Her eyes didn’t have a tendency to stare at the ground. Rather, she was looking at everything with open, unbridled curiosity. This would be the most relaxed anyone that knew her could say she was.

Gathering she knew. Dragons, weyrlife – all of that was still being figured out.

The chill was the best time to gather needlethorn. The bush wouldn’t shoot out its poisonous load while dormant and much of the leaves growing around them would have been shed. Easier to find and even easier to gather.

Sennia mused on his remark about her name day. She didn’t have to look back at him to know he’d be making some sort of facial expression to suggest that company might be less than innocent. She saved herself the tinge of embarrassment such a smirk would prompt by watching the path she was picking through the forest. “No, no. I’ll probably go out on my own like I usually do.” It sounded lame even to her after she said it. So many people in the weyr that celebrated life and the events that came with it. And Sennia would be wandering off on her own. Rather typical, to be truthful. Who would she spend it with anyways? S’bel? The idea he’d be the sort to cater to such a personal holiday was amusing.

Which made her frown. Sennia shrugged a shoulder, shaking off the thoughts as she paused by a promising cluster of bramble. It was easy to find for the twiggy growth, though the thorny greenery had been shed for the cold. Some pear-shaped leaves clung to the gray-green branches. It would be easiest to pick now that she could see the thorns and the leaves, scattered around the clump of brush, provided a cushioned place to kneel. Sennia set her sack to the side and began the task of twisting off the still supple branches. They’d be gathered now and boiled down to a salve back at the weyr. “What do you do you do for your name day?” Seemed a good way to steer off from her lack of social life. Surely S’bel had one they could talk about.

S'bels ambled along after Sennia, hands stuffed into his pockets. Although he tagged along, he didn't look like he would actually be doing that much to help. Maybe he would think about it... later. If he wanted this to go faster he supposed he could be productive and helpful and all that, but for right now he just didn't feel it. Whereas Sennia might have felt at home doing a familiar old chore, S'bel did not exactly want to reminisce. He tried not to as a rule, having many things he wished not to think about. And his old life was one of those.

He had never mentioned it to the girl, but he had come from a similar life. A farm kid, going nowhere fast. Just herdbeasts and fields and the most boring people and life S'bel could think of. He couldn't fathom ever going back. Even if he hadn't impressed, he would have found some way to stay at the Weyr. So to him, foraging trips didn't meant the good sort of nostalgia, though he supposed it made him even more grateful for his bond to Ipsyth.

Ouch. All alone on her birthday. She still hadn't adjusted well, had she? He probably could have proposed his own company for the occasion but that just seemed... depressing somehow if she didn't have anyone else. Surely she could come up with someone better than him for company on a day like that. If not, maybe she was worse off than he thought. Of course she had no idea how little she had to lean upon if S'bel was the backbone of her support system. He supposed he should pity her for that, but really didn't care enough to do so.

As she knelt to go about her gathering, S'bel just slouched against a nearby tree, hands still in pockets and looking thoroughly unhelpful. "Me?" he mused for several moments about his own birthday celebrations over the turns. "Well, wine is a must. And other people. And those two together make for all sorts of interesting occasions. Can't say I could tell you all of what happened during some of them, thanks to the wine, but most of the recent ones seem generally pleasant." And if he could help it, he never woke up alone after his birthday. He smiled to himself at that. "Really haven't done anything big for turns, though. Too old for that. After a while, birthdays just turn mildly interesting rather than truly exciting." And surprising, somewhat. In his cynical mind, S'bel's birthdays were less about prestige or happiness or joy and more along the lines of, 'Oh hey. Look. I actually managed to live through another miserable turn.' Though he supposed that still counted for something.

Happily Plotting For

7 Years 2 Month and 15 Days

M18+ Warning

Untitled Document

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V'zire: You should be learning from a Harper, not me! *blushes at D'hys* :c O-oh, R'nd! I'm so sorry. I-I'd never mean to neglect you! If y-you'd like, you can come over tonight and we can catch up <3?04 Nov 2012 at 04:42 PM

R'nd: *likes V'zire around D'hys even less* V'zire, you should come hang out with me some more. You're neglecting a friend :( :(04 Nov 2012 at 03:09 PM

R'nd: *thinks D'hys and Indivara is an unholy union in the making*04 Nov 2012 at 03:08 PM

B'jin: *shrinks against R'nd and away from D'ren*17 Sep 2012 at 12:35 AM

D'ren: This is unbelievable. You should all be ASHAMED. Don't you know what is and is not appropriate for mixed company?17 Sep 2012 at 12:35 AM

R'nd: *kisses B'jin's forehead and wraps an arm around his waist to hold close* Thanks for defending me but with those guys, it's usually a wasted effort. They can twist anything to their amusement.17 Sep 2012 at 12:34 AM

Sanderon: Lym needs a healer and Sand needs a straightjacket. Feel free to join us in the 'Pacing the Cage' thread, anyone who is interested.26 Aug 2012 at 08:50 PM

Lymsleia: Ramling is ok26 Aug 2012 at 07:38 PM

Z: I seem to be rambling today.26 Aug 2012 at 07:17 PM

Z: Except for maybe Talian, the others may not be able to tell...yet.26 Aug 2012 at 02:38 PM

Z: Each person that Sanderon just tagged might see a hint of his mental/emotional state. Talian's hint is a little more straight forward. In the timing of things, he sees your characters in this order, Talian, Jada, Apari, Lym.26 Aug 2012 at 02:37 PM

Jada: "And if you pull out a knife, or open your mouth again in one of your great speeches, I will drag you away by your ear for Krypth to, and don't think I don't want the excuse to get away from this debacle!"17 Aug 2012 at 06:25 PM

Z: She has a good heart.17 Aug 2012 at 05:58 PM

Z: Lymsleia is awesome. :)17 Aug 2012 at 05:39 PM

Sanderon: Being a distraction to N'gelt right now Lymsleia is only prolonging my agony. Thanks but knock it off. I want to get this over with as quickly as possible.17 Aug 2012 at 05:03 PM

Jada: Lym, your idiotic attempt to bring people together will do it- bring them into thinking you a fool. Us versus them is only made more obvious when you speak against treating the Northerners the same as the Katilans.17 Aug 2012 at 04:59 PM

Featherpirate: Baha you don't NEED your chars to be lashed you silly :P Though it is fun.16 Aug 2012 at 12:44 AM

Sexilicious: Jada could be lashed. But I don't know what she could do to get in trouble... and Far doesn't want to run away. Maybe E'kan kidnaps some pretty lady from up North... ;;;;16 Aug 2012 at 12:06 AM